He could pass for the modern day messiah delivering the Sermon on the Mount, according to the Vedanta. Wearing austere and spotless white flowing robes, with long black hair and beard, his head slanted in deep meditative equipoise, he evokes the image of an Asian Christ who brings succor to the suffering multitudes amongst his disciples. Very little is known of Sri Sri Ravishankar, other than the official version of his life available in the various books and web sites about him and the various projects that he has been associated with. It is often said that a sinner can have a future and a saint often has a past. However, those looking for a past in the life and works of Sri Sri Ravishankar will be sadly disappointed. Journalists and the inquisitive generally do not find information beyond the official versions of his life. Man is often known by the work he does, and Gurudev, as he is fervently called by his disciples, will have it no other way, for his is a life led by example. Divine Child A profoundly important aspect of Sri Sri Ravishankar is that he was born a divine child. Born in 1956 to a fairly well known and powerful family there was no doubt from the outset that the child was extraordinary and special. He could recite the Bhavagatam by heart at the age of four. In his youth, Sri Sri Ravishankar was a close and trusted lieutenant of the transcendental guru Maharishi Mahesh yogi. However, the official version of his personal resume omits this association, since at a later date he decided to branch out on his own. Unlike other celebrity gurus whose life stories have significant incidents or situations ranging from migraines to madness for wanting to turn over a new leaf, there are no known turning points in Gurudev's life. He completed his traditional study of the various scriptures and later also acquired a degree in science. He was firmly established on his spiritual path from birth. Spiritual Cleansing and Social Service In recent years the Art of Living courses conducted by Sri Sri Ravishankar have become the rallying point for his growing popularity with hundreds of thousands who obtain immediate and lasting benefits from attending the Art of Living course. The fulcrum on which this course exists is the patented Sudarshan Kriya, possibly a variation of the yogic practice of kapalabhati or "shining of the forehead." Yogic texts attribute great benefits at the physical, emotional and mental planes from the practice of this technique. It is a powerful method of performing nadisuddhi or cleansing and purification of the nerve routes. Some of the other benefits from this practice are: a modicum of control over the autonomous nervous system and protection against strokes. Gurudev's mastery over spiritual matters provided him the singular privilege of being the only non-westerner to serve on the advisory board of Yale University's School of Divinity. Sri Sri Ravishankar's focus has been developmental work both at the individual and the community level. His service organization, the "5H Program" offers social and community development projects with a focus on Health, Hygiene, Homes, Harmony amidst Diversity and Human Values. Many schools have been opened that provide basic education and vocational training to rural communities, as well as free medical camps and homes. The Art of Living Foundation is a non-governmental organization (NGO) having special consultative status with the United Nations. The Sudarshan Kriya technique is recognized by WHO as a positive health tool and stress management technique. (Click here to read more about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Ashram.) Spiritual Innovator In 1992 he launched the Prison SMART Foundation (Stress Management and Rehabilitative Training) to address the needs of individuals and professionals affected by the criminal justice system. Programs are offered to prison inmates, at-risk youth, victims of crime and criminal justice professionals. Today, training programs in the United States and India are receiving national recognition as an effective solution for breaking the cycles of violence in society through an extremely effective rehabilitation program. Many television and radio programs have been produced on Sri Sri Ravishankar's principles of effective living and peaceful co-existence. In 1996 he featured with the Dalai Lama in Swedish public television. What manner of man is he then, who works relentlessly for the benefit of others? He insists that he does not teach, but just lights the lamp along the path for others. He encourages others to work towards and experience first-hand the art of going through life in joy and harmony.

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